Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)
by Heather Cox Richardson
History in the making. Heather Cox Richardson provides a daily chronicle of American politics, using her expertise as a historian to put current events into context.
About Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)
Letters from an American is a 'one-person newsroom' that has become one of the most successful newsletters on Substack. Each night, Richardson writes a letter summarizing the day's major political news and connecting it to the long arc of American history, explaining how we got here and why it matters for democracy.
What Makes This Newsletter Unique
Historian's lens. It provides a level of depth and historical comparison that is almost entirely missing from standard daily news cycles.
Who Should Subscribe?
Readers who want to understand the 'deeper' meaning behind political headlines and how present events relate to American heritage.
Content Format
A daily evening email written in a narrative, letter-like style.
Recent Newsletter Issues
Pricing & Subscription Options
Free + Premium
- Daily emails
- Free tier with core content
- Premium tier with extra features
- Unsubscribe anytime
Free daily posts + Paid membership for comments and community
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Our Take: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and context
- Educational and grounding
- Very consistent daily delivery
Cons
- Narrative-heavy; not for those seeking quick bullet points
- Overtly focused on the survival of democratic institutions (may feel biased to some)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a news digest?
It serves as a digest, but its primary value is the historical analysis that accompanies the news of the day.
How often is Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson) published?
Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson) is published daily.
Who writes Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson)?
Letters from an American (Heather Cox Richardson) is written by Heather Cox Richardson. Heather Cox Richardson is an American historian and professor of history at Boston College.
About the Author: Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson
Heather Cox Richardson is an American historian and professor of history at Boston College. She is an expert on the American Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and the history of the Republican Party.
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